Centennial of the Forest Service, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

In 2005, the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service celebrates a
century of service to our Nation. After President Theodore Roosevelt
established the Forest Service as part of the Department of Agriculture
in 1905, Secretary of Agriculture James Wilson wrote to the First Chief
of the Forest Service, Forester Gifford Pinchot, that "all land is to
be devoted to its most productive use for the permanent good of the
whole people." The Forest Service has now upheld this noble charge for
100 years, and America's forests remain vibrant because of the hard
work and dedication of our foresters.

Beyond serving as places for recreation, our forests are also
sources of paper products, building materials, chemicals, and many
other resources that drive our economy. Over the last century, the
Forest Service has combined this ethic of good stewardship with sound
science and a spirit of innovation to cultivate and sustain our forests
in ways that benefit our entire society.

Today, Americans continue to be responsible stewards of national
forests and grasslands. Through the commonsense management approach of
my Healthy Forests Initiative, the Forest Service is working with State
and local governments, tribes, and other Federal agencies to help
prevent destructive wildfires, return forests to a healthier, natural
condition, and maintain a full range of forest types. The Forest
Service is also providing important work, education, and job training
to citizens in need. This commitment to "Caring for the Land and
Serving People" contributes to our country's success in conserving our
environment and ensuring that our natural resources remain sources of
pride for our citizens, our communities, and our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 1, 2005, as
the Centennial of the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture.
I call upon the people of the United States to recognize this
anniversary with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in
honor of the Forest Service's contributions to our country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.